It may, however, have contributed to the politically cataclysmic loss of 18 U.S. servicemen in Mogadishu.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

She said she looks forward to the re-establishment of a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Mogadishu.

CNN: After more than 2 decades, U.S. recognizes Somalia

Somalia, in particular, is being touted as a success story by the Obama administration, which renewed U.S. diplomatic relations this week with Mogadishu for the first time in 20 years.

WSJ: Terror Threat Prompts U.S. Rethink on Africa

"We are very pleased with the rehatting of the Kenyan troops in Somalia, " Johnnie Carson, U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said after a trip to Mogadishu on Sunday.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS